Which chemical is commonly used to shock a pool during algae bloom?

Calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite is commonly used to shock a pool during an algae bloom due to their strong oxidizing properties. Shock treatments are essential for addressing algae growth effectively since they raise the chlorine level in the water rapidly, which helps to kill off algae and other contaminants.

Calcium hypochlorite is a solid form of chlorine that dissolves quickly in water, making it an effective choice for shocking pools, while sodium hypochlorite is a liquid chlorine, often found in household bleach, that serves the same purpose. Both options work effectively to increase chlorine levels rapidly, ensuring that the algae are eliminated and that the water is returned to a safe, clean state for swimming.

In contrast, chlorine tablets are typically used for maintaining a consistent level of chlorine in a pool rather than handling an immediate crisis like an algae bloom. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in some swimming pool applications for oxidation, but it is not the standard for shocking pools in this context as it does not provide the same level of disinfecting as chlorine can. Algaecide solutions specifically target algae but are more often used as a preventative measure or as part of a routine maintenance strategy, rather than being the primary treatment during a significant bloom.